Safety & Awareness

When traveling to Krakow for World Youth Day 2016, all pilgrims should be incredibly conscious of security and safety issues. The following information provides some resources for pilgrims and their families, group leaders, and parish and diocesan authorities regarding the safety of all World Youth Day pilgrims while in Krakow.

Tips for Personal Safety and Security

Always travel in a group. Traveling alone creates a
personal safety risk. Group leaders should know exactly where their pilgrims
are at all times.

Exercise extreme caution when walking and crossing
streets. Please use designated crosswalks and be mindful of fast-moving, heavy
traffic.

Do not leave your valuables at your lodging site or
hotel.

Inquire about fire safety procedures at your lodging
site.

Do not make jokes or threats about weapons, bombs, or
dangerous acts.

Do not venture out, especially alone as well as in
groups, at night.

Stay close to official WYD event locations; do not veer
outside those boundaries.

Please report anything suspicious to the local
authorities and WYD staff.

If you are lost or in the
event of an emergency, seek out World
Youth Day security and volunteers - or contact the local municipal
authorities/police.

Specialty Emergency Numbers

Proper Indentification

While in Krakow, it is
important that you carry a picture ID such as an original passport or a
scanned color copy.

Pilgrims should also be sure to keep their Registration
Certificate with them for the duration of their trip. This certificate with the ecclesial stamp and signature is
important, because it verifies your
status as a WYD pilgrim. There is also a possibility that pilgrims could run
into difficulties with the Polish authorities for a number of reasons, which is
another reason to carry the certificate to verify your identity.

Things to Remember for WYD Krakow

Passport:
required for entry to the country (N.B. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens to enter Poland)

WYD Registration Certificate

WYD
badge (you will receive this in
Krakow)

Also, your WYD Registration Certificate
and WYD badge (which you will receive upon check-in at WYD) are your ticket to
enter WYD events. Please, do not lose or forget to have them with you at all
times.

Your credentials, badges, or
certificates may not be transferred—and should not be shared or given away or
lost. Missing credentials create a security risk Lost credentials are not
easily replaced. In case of an
emergency, please proceed (with your group
leader) to a WYD Information Center located
throughout the city. Also in addition to this, remember that all
participants from the United States are reminded to act in a Christian
manner and adhere to the codes of conduct of their local dioceses.

Creating a Safe Environment

At WYD Krakow, there will be
thousands of group leaders, trained volunteers, and staff on hand to ensure
safety and security. Also, the local Polish police will be present
throughout the downtown area of Krakow.

WYD greeters and security
personnel will be at the entrances to all events. Each pilgrim must have valid
WYD credentials (i.e. pilgrim badges and registration certificate) for entry.
Also, due to the high volume of pilgrims, please plan for additional wait times
in your schedule for the lines to enter events.

Backpacks, Bags, and PursesTraditionally, many pilgrims
carry a backpack throughout WYD. As a result, pilgrims and group leaders are
encouraged to travel light. If possible, try to carry only those items you will
need for that day. Please do not leave your backpack unattended, for any
reason.

Emergency ExitIf emergency evacuation is
necessary, please follow the instructions of police, security personnel, WYD
volunteers, and/or any of the public announcements.

In the unlikely event of widespread sustained crisis, each
group leader should have a designated a crisis check-in location. Report to
this location, if instructed to do so by security, law enforcement, or event
personnel.

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